Thirteen members of the civilian Joint Task Force were shot dead by suspected Boko Haram militants in an early Sunday morning attack on Benesheikh in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Benesheikh is about 75 kilometres from Maiduguri, the capital of the state.
One of survivors, Malam Zanna Fannami, told newsmen on his hospital bed at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital that the attack took place around 12.30am.
Fannami, a leader of the vigilance group, added that 17 persons were also injured in the attack.
He said: “The whole thing started around 12.30am as we were keeping vigil at the entrance of the town.
“We heard an explosion near a military checkpoint, but before we could find out what was going on, we began to hear sporadic gunshots.”
Fannami said the group tried to repel the attackers by fighting back.
He added: “Unknown to us, the attackers were hiding on top of trees all over the place.
“They succeeded in killing 12 persons on the spot, while another person died while receiving treatment at the hospital.
“Seventeen other persons were also injured.
“But we did not give up, as we kept fighting them until we chased them away.
“We also killed four of the attackers as they fled.
“We got five pump action guns from them.”
Mohammed Abuwar, another survivor, corroborated Fannami’s claim, saying the attackers came on foot.
“They kept their vehicles faraway to avoid being detected before attacking us,” Abuwar said.
Lieutenant Colonel Sagir Musa, the spokesman of the 7 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, could not be reached for comments.
However, a senior officer in the Brigade, who asked not to be named, confirmed the story by saying the military had already pursued the attackers.
Also speaking, Malam Garba Ngamdu, the Special Adviser to Governor Kashim Shettima on Labour Matters, confirmed the report.
Ngamdu said: “It is true that the vigilantes were attacked on Sunday.
“We heard that the victims had prior knowledge of the attack, so they prepared against them.
“Unfortunately, the attackers had some informants in the group, which made it possible for them to attack.”
Ngamdu said those who suffered gunshots had been admitted for treatment at the UMTH.
He added: “One out of the 18 survivors died while he was being operated upon at the hospital.
“Government has also beefed up security around the area with a view to getting the attackers.”
The incident happened few days after similar attacks in which several persons were killed in Damboa and Ngazai Local Government Areas of the state.
Trending
- Tinubu appoints renowned banker Jim Ovia as Chair of NELFUND
- Yahaya Bello: EFCC boss Olukoyede to face criminal trial for contempt of court
- President Tinubu appoint CEOs for two agencies
- Breaking: Veteran Yoruba actor, Ogunjimi is dead
- EX-PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS DEMISE OF SIDI ALI, DR. BAFFA YO
- Japa Crises: 58,000 of 130,000 registered doctors renewed licence, says MDCN
- 34-Km Ikorodu-Itokin Road Reconstruction: Gov Sanwo-Olu, Senator Abiru Pay Thank You Visit To Works Minister, Umahi, Make Case For Road Dualisation
- Yahaya Bello: EFCC Chairman’s conduct suggest vendetta, not fight against corruption – Concerned APC chieftains